Baltimore Antique Arms Show March 17-18

[Bill Murphy]

I have not closely examined J.D. Shank's eight gauge and wouldn't discuss its value here anyhow. Sorry. If someone is interested in an eight gauge Parker, the contact information is in our Journal.

[Bindlestiff]

If you are looking for an 8 gauge, there is a nice 40 inch damascus 8 gauge coming to auction next week....... http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...id/55/lid/3599

[Dean Romig]

There is also one at Wildwood Guns in China, ME

[Bill Murphy]

Thanks, Jent. That's a pretty nice looking gun.

[Bill Murphy]

Don't think that would be the same lifter, Jent. I have never seen a pinned on forend fall off. What was the serial number of the lifter you are referring to?

[Kevin McCormack]

At the height of his fame, some Hollywood reporter asked Robert Mitchum where he had studied acting. Mitchum replied that he had never had any formal training in the craft. Incredulous, the reporter asked "Why in heavens' name not?" Mitchum replied, "Going to school to learn how to act is like studying to be tall."

Like Mitchum's quip, potshotting and speculating from the sidelines after the fact about the quallity, price, and availability of desireable guns at a show like Baltimore, arguably the finest antique arms show in the country, speaks volumes about the true motivation of those who would be 'movers' in the gun market, or just want to own a gun they deem special.

JD Shank's 8-gauge, first shown at the Vintagers at Pintail Point in September, was an honest gun and a fair deal in the sense that JD actively solicited good guns in trade (not necessarily Parkers) against his asking price. The fact that he sold it at Baltimore should be prima facia evidence to anyone that either: A; somebody had the wherewithall to negotiate him down for cash, or B: put some decent guns in a pile and paid the difference in cash against the agreed-upon price.

Hauling the same merchandise to gun shows year after year is a stagnant reminder that sooner or later, something's got to give - either the price of the merchandise or acceptance of goods in trade against same. Continuing the status quo qualifies for applying Mitchum's famous quip above.

Word had it from at least a half-dozen high-end dealers at Baltimore that the logjam in availability and pricing of desireable guns is slowly breaking; better prices are being paid for guns and better guns are being traded against high-priced pieces that people had finally decided they really want instead of hoping that wishing would make it so.

You can't have it both ways; the best pieces in any collection always go last and, by definition of value over time, always bring the best money. So stop whining, throw some guns in the trunk, get out there, and SPEND!!!

[tom tutwiler]

Originally Posted by Kevin McCormack

At the height of his fame, some Hollywood reporter asked Robert Mitchum where he had studied acting. Mitchum replied that he had never had any formal training in the craft. Incredulous, the reporter asked "Why in heavens' name not?" Mitchum replied, "Going to school to learn how to act is like studying to be tall."

Like Mitchum's quip, potshotting and speculating from the sidelines after the fact about the quallity, price, and availability of desireable guns at a show like Baltimore, arguably the finest antique arms show in the country, speaks volumes about the true motivation of those who would be 'movers' in the gun market, or just want to own a gun they deem special.

JD Shank's 8-gauge, first shown at the Vintagers at Pintail Point in September, was an honest gun and a fair deal in the sense that JD actively solicited good guns in trade (not necessarily Parkers) against his asking price. The fact that he sold it at Baltimore should be prima facia evidence to anyone that either: A; somebody had the wherewithall to negotiate him down for cash, or B: put some decent guns in a pile and paid the difference in cash against the agreed-upon price.

Hauling the same merchandise to gun shows year after year is a stagnant reminder that sooner or later, something's got to give - either the price of the merchandise or acceptance of goods in trade against same. Continuing the status quo qualifies for applying Mitchum's famous quip above.

Word had it from at least a half-dozen high-end dealers at Baltimore that the logjam in availability and pricing of desireable guns is slowly breaking; better prices are being paid for guns and better guns are being traded against high-priced pieces that people had finally decided they really want instead of hoping that wishing would make it so.

You can't have it both ways; the best pieces in any collection always go last and, by definition of value over time, always bring the best money. So stop whining, throw some guns in the trunk, get out there, and SPEND!!!

Very well said IMO.

[Bill Murphy]

Mr. McCormack's table partner certainly subscribes to that philosophy. I have a bucket full of money, a few guns I didn't own last year, and more room in the safe. Never bitch about the price of a gun unless you have made an offer in cash.

[edgarspencer]

I just wanted to say what an idiot I am.
A great old gent had a dozen Johnson Mallard decoys, with the bag, for $200. They were the fold out ones, wax covered cardboard. I had every intention of buying them and forgot.
If anyone knows who he was, could they please let me know. I think he was in row O or Q, about table 28-30, or thereabouts.
As soon as I'm fully well, I'm going to kick my A$$

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

As soon as I'm fully well, I'm going to kick my A$$

Edgar, you have plenty of friends here... no need to wait until you're fully well - we are always eager to help out a PGCA Member just about any time.
We provide many member services.... even A$$-Kickin' parties.

Can I see a show of hands???